Volume Α’

Fundamental rules in the reinforcement of antiseismic structural systems

The following needs – rules regarding the proper placement of reinforcement, derive from the
behavior of structures:
Columns:
(α) Rebars must be symmetrically placed around the perimeter of the cross section since the
tensile forces and therefore the inclined cracking constantly change direction.
(β) There must be enough, high strength and properly anchored stirrups. This reinforcement
protects the member from the large diagonal cracks of alternating direction, caused by
the diagonal stressing or otherwise called shear.

Behavior of a two–column frame during an earthquake

52 Ι Apostolos Konstantinides
 Volume Α’

between a column and a staircase or masonry infill is probable then the need for ductility ex-
tents to the whole length of the column.

Column with cross-section 500x500 and three stirrups on every layer, required by the Seismic Regulation for ductility

54 Ι Apostolos Konstantinides
The Art of Construction and The Design

Beam with ductility requirements

Beam with high ductility requirements

The need for column’s capacity-overstrength

Capacity design ensures that the columns will have greater capacity than the adjacent beams
therefore no matter how intense the seismic action will be, beam failure will precede the failure
of columns. Failing beams will absorb part of the released seismic energy thus altering the
structure’s natural (fundamental) frequency and avoiding resonance. Generally, failure of one or
more beams does not induce progressive failing, hence even in an extremely strong seismic
event, the structure will not collapse and will retain a minimum serviceability level allowing its
evacuation and most of the times its rehabilitation.

EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT BUILDINGS ΙΙ 55

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